The Cellar: Portuguese Basics
Thursday, April 06, 2017
Steffen Rasch, GoLocalProv Wine Writer
This week our wine journey takes us to Portugal whose presence in the global wine trade dates back centuries. While the country is traditionally known for its fortified wines of Porto and Madeira, it is Portugal’s table wines that in recent years have stolen the international spotlight.
Portugal is a great place to look, especially for consumers who are looking for quality wines that also represent a good value. Two of Portugal's premier regions for red wines are Douro and Dão. While the Douro region is the home of the historic Port industry, winemakers also produce a slew of delicious table wines here. More than 80 different grapes are allowed to go into Douro wine, fortified as well as still. That said 5 grapes dominate the vineyards and make the base for most of the wines. These grapes are Touriga Nacional – the star grape of the Douro Valley - Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cao and Tinta Roriz (otherwise known as Tempranillo). The Douro Valley where the grapes are grown is located inland. With arid conditions and a hot, dry climate the vineyards often yield ripe grapes making robust and full-bodied wines. It is not uncommon for the wines of Douro to spend considerable time in oak barrels.
Dão is another region I urge you to check out. For a region that is located just 30 miles south of the Douro River, the wines of Dão are remarkably different. The main reason for this is the fact that the vineyards of Dão are surrounded by mountains, which results in a very different climate than in the rest of the country. Most of Dão's vineyards are located at high altitudes and are protected by the mountains from the extreme weather often experienced elsewhere. As a result Dão enjoys stable conditions throughout the grape growing season with warm days and cool nights allowing the grapes ripen fully but retain the much needed acidity. While the grapes grown here are pretty much the same as in Douro, the expression is very different. I have heard the wines of Dão being compared to those of Burgundy. While I wouldn’t go that far there definitely is a noticeable difference.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
This week’s two featured wines are the 2013 Feuerheerd’s Douro ($15ish) and 2013 Barão de Vilar Dão ($15ish). Looking at the wines side-by-side you can tell that the Dão is lighter in color. On the nose the Douro brims with ripe, bordering stewed dark fruits whereas the Dão is more red fruit driven with hints of spice. Both wines a have great, soft mouth-feel with the Douro being fuller-bodied. I prefer the Dão as it comes across more elegant, with more refined and defined characteristics. More defined acidity in the Dão leaves a sense of a fresher wine, but this is very much personal preference. I urge you to do the side-by-side comparison on your own.
Cheers,
Steffen Rasch is the Sommelier at Persimmon Restaurant in Providence and the proprietor of the Providence Wine Academy.
Related Slideshow: 10 New England Wine Getaways
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Newport Vineyards
Newport Vineyards is the perfect Rhode Island destination for wine lovers year round. Visit the winery this weekend for tastings and tours, featuring an array of award winning wines.
909 E Main Road, Middletown, RI. (401) 848-5161.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineya
Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton is much more than just a winery—it is a place to get away from the stresses of life and indulge your senses, a place to try new things, a place to focus on you. The vineyard is open every day, and invites you to come for a tasting and tour. Try their Petite Red, Vidal Blanc, and many more of their distinctive wines.
162 W Main Road, Little Compton, RI. (401) 635-8486.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Greenvale Vineyards
Visit Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth to sample their estate grown and produced wine, made in small batches. While at the estate, try seven different wines and keep the wine glass for only $12. While you are tasting, take in the gorgeous views of both the vineyard and river. Besides tasting the wines, Greenvale also invites customers to tour the winery and learn about the history and process of winemaking at the vineyard.
582 Wapping Road, Portsmouth, RI. (401) 847-3777.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Maugle Sierra Vineyards
For a trip to a vineyard that includes much more than just wine, hop over the border to Ledyard, CT, to check out Maugle Sierra Vineyards. The vineyard hosts live music on Fridays and Sundays to compliment your wine tasting experience. Pack a dinner or light fare and enjoy a tasting session in the Sierra Room while you take in the sunset.
825 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard, CT. (860) 464-2987.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Nickle Creek Vineyards
Nickle Creek Vineyard is a family owned and operated Rhode Island wine treasure. The winery, located in Foster, makes it their mission to handcraft the most unique, high quality wines in the business. All wines are created in small batches, giving them a distinctly unique taste. This weekend, visit their tasting room to try their variety of wines. On your way out, be sure to pick up a bottle of Foster Nights to get you through those chilly New England evenings.
12 King Road, Foster, RI. (401) 369-3694.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Nashoba Valley Winery
Take the bite off the winter chill this weekend and take a drive to Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton. The winery hosts tasting events everyday from 10am-4:30pm For $5, receive a free tasting glass and samples of up to five different wines. Some favorites include Strawberry Rhubarb Wine, Holiday Special Cranberry Apple (a new release in November 2013), and New English Cider. If you are in the mood for something other than wine (if that’s possible), check out their beer selection as well!
100 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton, MA. (978) 779-5521.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Bishop’s Orchards Winery
The wines from Bishop’s Orchards Winery and Farm Market in Guilford, CT, have won over 179 medals since the winery opened in 2005. The tasting room at Bishop’s is open seven days a week year round, so no time is off-limits for wine tasting. Head over on the weekend to enjoy a winery tour pre or post tasting session. While visiting the winery, also be sure to check out the market for fresh baked goodies.
1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT. (203) 453-2338.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Diamond Hill Vineyards
For a cool twist on classic wine labels, look no further than Diamond Hill Vineyard in Cumberland. At Diamond Hill, you can get custom designed wine labels perfect for any occasion. If you’re interested in tasting the wines, visit their elegant tasting room for samples of their high quality wines such as Cranberry Apple, Estate Pinot Noir, or Blackberry.
3145 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI. (401) 333-2751.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Westport Rivers
Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery
Tucked away on the southern coast of Massachusetts, Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, located about an hour’s drive from Worcester, is worth the trip. For only $10, you can take home a special edition etched wine glass and enjoy a tasting of up to six of their award-winning wines. While the tasting room is open Monday-Saturday, free winery tours are also offered to the public every Saturday from 1-3pm.
417 Hixbridge Rd, Westport, MA. (508) 636-3423.
View Larger +
Prev
Next
Travessia Winery
Found on the southern Massachusetts coast about 30 minutes outside of Providence, is Travessia Winery in New Bedford. This micro-winery puts a twist on traditional wine culture with its cool urban flair. Travessia is open for sales and tastings Wednesday-Sunday, and invites customers to come in and enjoy their unique variety of wines.
760 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. (774) 929-6534.
Related Articles
Enjoy this post? Share it with others.
